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Very interesting!

The photographs that I have show a 0.5 inch twin Browning and the Hispano HS 404 fitted on Dak 6859.

The supports for the guns is a stand similar ( if not the same) to the photo's that Bladerunner has posted,i.e. an upright "pole" with a support (brace ) facing the gunners seat.

The Hispano does have a casing collection box fitted to the right hand side of the gun.

I will do some more research on this subject.

Thanks guys It's certainly proving to be a "fun" build ....



I think you're right about the strap - was always wondering what it was. Maybe they "flung" the ol' Gooney around a bit when things got hot ??

Cheers

The personnel working near the door on WWII C-47's had straps to prevent them falling out, could be quite annoying even if wearing a chute as you would/could find yourself as a "guest" of Herr Hitler and Co.

I am assuming that this chap more than likely had to move about ie reload weapon etc so ........

Very interesting subject this!

I photographs that I refer to,can be found in the following books;

.50" twin and Hispano 20mm - Douglas C47 Dakota in SAAF Service,Winston Brent.

MG151 20mm - South African Armed Forces,Helmoed-Rohmer Heitman.

Taking that there is all this type of reference,can we then expect to see 3 Dragon Daks ?

BTW, the current paint scheme on the Dragon Dak 6859 is unique.

Has anyone spotted the difference yet?

The strap around the gunner is referred to as a "monkey chain".

The photo in Helmoed's book does not show that any of the other harnesses were worn ( shoulder and lap) when operating the MG151,only the "monkey chain".

Failing to secure your "monkey chain" could have fatal conseqences

4 Air School, Hawker Hart # 359 Training
LAC Cornish fell out of 359 without a parachute, he struck the earth on the bombing range close to the plotting hut of the OC of the bomber range Tiger Vigers, MC, DFC. It is suspect aircraft hit an air pocket.The pilot caught him but the slip stream pulled him out of his grasp. They were to have been brother-in-laws.

During bombing training the pupil was secured to the aircraft floor by a “monkey chain” attached to his parachute harness and a chest type parachute was close at hand for emergency. Cornish had failed to secure his "monkey chain"

LAC Gordon William “John” Cornish, 1336389, Pilot U/T, RAFVR, 20 †
Vereeniging Old Town Cemetery, South Africa C of E. Plot Grave 1276
KIFA South Africa
Pupil Pilot Clarence M. L, Pupil Pilot, SAAF

Heres some pics of the cannon arrangements, but which one was used eventually in service?

This is the cannon that was used as indicated to me by the pilot that actually operated "Puff the Magic Dragon". So Mistral's scratchbuild is 100% correct. Could you perhaps start some threads on your previous Mirage F1AZ and Impala Mk.II builds so the other SAAF modellers on here could learn from your experience please Malcolm? I'm absolutely awe-struck by everything you've completed so far and I'm following this thread/build with eager eyes! FANTASTIC job sir!

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This is what I love about this forum, all the discussion and research.
Thanks for that info Falcon 1

The gentleman I spoke to that worked on the installation of the HS.404 said that this was also his last project he worked on before retiring. That was probably a prototype phases of the cannon he worked on.
Malcomb, your scratchbuilding is of the best I've seen. You're a "ninja" of a modeler.
I second Falcon 1's request on some of posting your previous builds. You still did your mods the oldschool way.

Looking forward to the next update.

The first two pics show fairly crude "welded pipe" mounts with the gunner handling the gun directly.
The other shows the servo-operated GA1 mount (with single MG151).
Notice also the old uniform styles (safari suit) in the first two pics - the sharp angled sergeant stripes are particularly noticable.
When last did people wear a suit with a hat at work?

The GA1 was also used in the Allo III "K-cars" by the mid 1980s onward.

P.S. The toppie in the suit looks a lot like John Vorster.

Thanks Falcon 1 and Bladerunner - appreciate your comments . And thanks for the pic, Falcon 1.

As requested I'll update with Impala and Mir F1 build threads over the weekend.

Cheers

No, that is not John Vorster (Prime Minister of the RSA 1966-1978).

The uniforms of the personnel around the seated man looks late 1950's early 1960's to me. Any info where and when those two photos were taken?

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Tally-Ho,

I'm afraid you are wrong!

That is indeed John Vorster.

I "supplied" the photo's to Bladerunner.

Well love a duck ....

I would never have thought that! Any info where and when the photo was taken?

Thanks.

_________________
Travelling in Europe - including photos.
http://anewad.blogspot.co.uk/

My Portfolio of Airplane Pictures
http://www.airplane-pictures.net/member ... php?p=6981

Finally, all SAAF specific comms antennae in place - from back to front - large dorsal blade antenna (VHF ?), two rail antennae (HF ?), two rectangular antennae (not GPS because I've seen pics from around 1980 of Daks with these on), V-shaped antenna (VHF ?) and another rail antenna just behind cockpit. Also odd looking loop thingie (DF loop antenna ?) on nose. Anyone able to fill in the question marks ? There are also three blade antennae beneath the nose plus two whip antennae.